The Defence Medal

Terms

Although the medal was usually awarded to Canadians for six months
service in Britain between 03 September 1939 and 08 May
1945, the exact terms were: Service in the forces in
non-operational
areas subjected to air attack or closely threatened, providing
such service lasted for three or more years. Service overseas
or outside the country of residence, providing that such service
lasted for one year, except in territories threatened by the enemy
or subject to bomb attacks, in which case it was six months prior to 02 September 1945. Under
the terms of this last condition, Canadians serving for one year
in Newfoundland were eligible and persons serving for six months
in Hong Kong were also eligible. The qualifying period in mine
and bomb disposal was three months. Canadians serving in West
Africa, Palestine and India, other than operational air crew,
qualified for this medal. Those awarded the GC or GM for civil
defence received this medal. Home Guard and others in Britain
qualified for this medal.

"Please note that the above is only a summary outline of the conditions that apply to this medal. Additional information and a list of qualifing areas of service are available from the Honours and Awards Section, Veterans Affairs Canada, 66 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P4"

Bar

There was no bar to this medal.

Description

A circular, silver (.800 fine) medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.
The British issue medals were made of cupro-nickel.

Obverse

Reverse

On the reverse, the Royal Crown rests on the stump of an oak tree,
flanked by a lion and a lioness. At the top left is the date 1939,
and at the top right, the date 1945. In exergue, though not ruled
off, is the wording: THE DEFENCE/MEDAL.

Mounting

A plain, straight, non-swivelling suspender with a single-toe
claw.

Ribbon

The light green ribbon is 1.25 inches wide with a central stripe
of orange (0.5" wide) and a narrow black stripe in the middle
of each green stripe. The orange (flame colour) represents the
enemy attacks on the green land of England and the black
represents
the black-outs.